Instead of isolating Norman, Judy created a social network for the two of them.

They took an art class together, she brought him to an exercise class and encouraged Norman to keep up social contacts and interests. Judy also attended an excellent family carer training course called ‘Living with Dementia’, which was run by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

Sadly her dad Norman passed away in 2014 at 81, but Judy continues to honour his memory by engaging in ­advocacy work with the Alzheimer Society.

She continues to support the HSE’s Understand Together campaign and believes the knowledge and understanding promoted by the ongoing campaign is having a very positive impact for persons living with dementia and their carers.

As chairperson of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Dementia Carers Campaign Network, she said public and political awareness of the illness has improved in recent years — but issues still exist in services throughout the country.

Judy added: “I think there are still huge gaps around the country from what I can gather. The services are not equitable so what someone gets in one county is not the same in another county.
“I think there is a lot of work to be done to create a pathway that is more similar and more equitable.

So people know exactly what that pathway is when they get a diagnosis, what is the next step.”

Judy explained that her dad required 24/7 care and had mobility issues which meant he was at a high risk of falling.